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Being a triathlete for a day
At 6h30, the gun goes off. Athletes have more than 225km of racing in front of them. But how can we summarize that by participating in the Ironman - it is a race of three disciplines? This kind of event is something far different from a simple competition. The run up to the event and the time following the race is very important for a sense of wellness within each athlete. The emotions involved with doing an Ironman will provide an undeniable sense of accomplishment when they finally cross the Finish Line.
It is 4h00 o’clock in the morning. Between excitement and sleep, it’s time to wake up slowly and begin preparations for the long day. The night may have been short, and feelings of stress are becoming more and more evident. The athletes must be calm in order to benefit from their last steady moments. 5h00 o’clock is coming. It’s time to go to the Promenade des Anglais, the starting point of the race.
Now, it is 5h00 o’clock and the Bike Park opens it doors. Once my chip is fixed, and personal aid bags have been dropped off at the park entrance, I can make my last minute adjustments. Time is running out! It is already time to put the wetsuit on, leave my STREETWEAR bag and use my last minutes to warm up. 6h15, and everybody is out of the water and moving to the starting area. Although there is so much energy and cheer all around the event, the tension is tangible. I have got butterflies in my stomach.
Here we are! Everybody is off. 225,995 kilometers separate me from the Finish Line. Loads of spectators are already there to admire the start, and it is magic atmosphere. I am in a sea of swimmers. As we move ahead, the less we are crowded. When at last I get out of the water, I run towards the transition tent without a break. I change, and go through the Bike Park to grab my bike. Spectators yell “go, go!" to support us. The hinterland is awesome, and the setting is spectacular. My first sign of fatigue arrives. Fortunately, Promenade des Anglais is getting closer. When I enter into the Bike Park, a volunteer is already there, in front of a free rack to help me. It’s great! There is just time to swallow a banana, then I am already running on the Prom’ for the last part of the race.
It is as though the closer I get to the Finish Line, the more discomfort I feel. The heat is definitely getting to me. Fortunately, there are volunteers to give us water and there are mist sprinklers to make the atmosphere cooler. Even if the sun hits the thousands of spectators, they prefer the sport festivity than being in the sea. I don't really know how to thank them for that, because maybe I would have given up without their support.
I can see the Finish Line. People touch my shoulders, yelling and cheering along the way. I am exhausted, but so happy. I am an Ironman! Once I have crossed the Finish Line, volunteers help me and hand me a finisher’s medal and T-shirt. They invite me to go to the "After finish area" to eat a good portion of food and have a well deserved rest at the expert hands of the masseurs.
I will always have fond memories of this great day. Although it has been hard, I have done something amazing.
IRONMAN France – Nice Triathlon
22 June 2008
3.8km SWIM | 180km BIKE | 42.195km RUN
50 qualifying places for the Ironman World Championship on 11 October 2008
Athletes representing 52 nations
16 hours and more of show & sports on race day
5 days of triathlon and multisports expo in the Jardins Albert 1er in Nice
www.ironmanfrance.com
“Being an Ironman!” - Photo: ©MIKU
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